Jill Palmer, a Navy Veteran, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and 2019 graduate of the Doctor of Social Work program at the University of Tennessee with a research focus on Veterans, suicide prevention and quality of life. Dr. Palmer has nine years of leadership experience through both the Navy and the private sector. She has led teams of social workers, psychiatrists, and other personnel; provided program oversight for multiple programs; developed policies and procedures to implement evidence-based practices; and has managed program budgets. With over 16 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, she is experienced in treating trauma, depression and anxiety in children, families, Veterans, and active duty populations. Jill is passionate about leading healthy, productive, innovative teams.

Joining Endeavors in 2020, Margarita Ochoa-Smith serves as the Director of Mental Health and Wellness for the Endeavors Veteran Wellness Center. In addition to launching state-wide virtual care co-occurring services for VWC clients, Margarita will also oversee services that support and promote emotional freedom and transformational healing for clients.

With a desire to influence positive change, Margarita strives to afford individuals the opportunity to trust in their goodness while journeying through transformation and healing. Her extensive experience in behavioral health and leadership, coupled with a career spanning over 20 years, exhibits her commitment to improving the lives of the diverse and special populations involved in behavioral health and criminal justice.

Earning a Bachelor of Science Degree from Park University at the Fort Bliss, Texas campus and a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado’s Adams State University, Margarita’s dedication to ongoing education extends beyond the university setting. Sharing years of experience in the accreditation process by JCAHO, CARF, and ACA, she is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a Licensed Proffesional Counserlor, is Board Certified in the state of Texas, and is an International Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), where she has earned reciprocity in multiple countries.

Previously working in both educational and correctional settings, Margarita has personally witnessed the immense ripple effect addiction and mental health has on children, families, communities, and countries. Demonstrating an ongoing dedication to serving those combating chronic behavioral health disorders locally, nationally, and internationally, she has created, developed, and launched programming for Jail Diversion, Residential Integrated Treatment, Specialty Courts, and Trauma-Informed Outpatient Co-Occurring Programs. Additionally, she has trained and mentored team members in methodologies and processes to ensure program success and appropriate client services, including the development of culturally competent and holistic programming. Further demonstrating her expertise, Margarita has served as an expert witness in a vehicular homicide trial.

Holding multiple leadership positions in El Paso, San Antonio, and Southern Colorado, Margarita has been instrumental in establishing the first Behavioral Health Treatment Court in Southern Colorado as well as the Medicine Bear Residential Program. Additionally, her clinical programming has helped form the first Integrated Residential Treatment Program for the homeless population in Bexar County.

Having the privilege of representing the United States by invitation of the Organization of American States (OAS) thru the Inter American Commission on Drug Abuse Control (CICAD) in Cuernavaca, Mexico and Cartagena, Colombia, Margarita has served as an international consultant, sharing her expertise in social re-integration of populations impacted by trauma, mental health disorders, addiction, and anti-social behaviors.

In her spare time, Margarita enjoys doing charity work throughout her community and is active in several local civic organizations, as well as an international organization dedicated to improving economic well-being and quality of life through a commitment to community services and literacy.

Margarita cherishes time with her family and enjoys nothing more than family and friends gathering to share good food, good music, and great storytelling.